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Category: South Africa

The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal

The medal, established in 1953, was given as a personal memento from the Queen to members of the Royal Family and selected officers of state.

The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal is a commemorative medal established on 2 June 1953 and instituted to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

This medal was given as a personal memento from the Queen to members of the Royal Family and selected officers of state, including members of the Royal Household, government officials, mayors, public servants, local government officials, and members of the navy, army, air force, and police in Britain, as well as her colonies and Dominions. It was also awarded to members of the Mount Everest expedition, two of whom reached the summit four days before the coronation. The medal was struck at the Royal Mint and distributed immediately after the coronation.

For Coronation and Jubilee medals, up until 1977, the practice was for the authorities in the United Kingdom to decide on the total number to be produced and then allocate a proportion to each of the Commonwealth countries, Crown dependencies, and other possessions of the Crown. The government of each territory had the discretion to decide who would receive a medal and for what reasons.

In total, 129,051 medals were awarded, including:

  • 11,561 to Australians.
  • 12,500 to Canadians.

The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal Design

The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal is a silver disk measuring 1.25 inches in diameter. The obverse features a crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, adorned in a high-collared ermine cloak and wearing a Tudor Crown along with the Collar of the Garter and Badge of the Bath. It lacks a raised rim and any inscriptions.

The reverse displays the Royal Cypher “EiiR” topped by a large crown, with the inscription “QUEEN ELIZABETH II CROWNED 2nd JUNE 1953” around the edge. The medal was designed by Cecil Thomas.

The dark red ribbon is 1.25 inches (32 mm) wide, featuring 2 mm wide white edges and two narrow dark blue stripes in the center, each 2 mm wide and 1.6 mm apart.

The Cadet Corps Medal

The Cadet Corps Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1966 for twenty years of effective service in the School Cadet Corps.

The Cadet Corps Medal, established by the Republic of South Africa in 1966, honored officers in the School Cadet Corps for twenty years of effective service. A clasp could be earned after thirty years of qualifying service.

Recipients of the Cadet Corps Medal were officers in the School Cadet Corps recognized for twenty years of commendable service, which did not necessarily need to be continuous. An additional clasp could be granted after thirty years of qualifying service.

The initial recipients of the Cadet Corps Medal were announced in South African Defence Force Order 134/67 on November 24, 1967. Subsequently, deserving officers in the Cadet Corps received the medal annually.

The Cadet Corps Medal Design

The Cadet Corps Medal is a silver medallion, 38 millimetres in diameter and 3 millimetres thick, featuring a raised rim. It portrays the prancing springbok emblem of the School Cadet Corps of the South African Defence Force, encircled by a wreath of proteas. The inscription “CADET CORPS MEDAL” appears on the left, with “KADETKORPSMEDALJE” on the right.

On the reverse side, there is a raised rim and the pre-2000 South African Coat of Arms is displayed.

The ribbon measures 32 millimetres wide and consists of an 8 millimetres wide dark blue band, followed by a 1½ millimetres wide white band, repeated in reverse order, and separated by a 13 millimetres wide orange band. These colors represent the pre-1994 South African flag.

The De Wet Decoration

The De Wet Decoration was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1965 as a military long service award.

The De Wet Decoration, designated by post-nominal letters DWD, was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1965 as a military long service award. Initially, it was exclusively granted to officers serving in the Commandos, the rural civil defense division of the South African Defence Force, in recognition of twenty years of commendable service and exemplary conduct. However, in 1986, eligibility for the decoration was extended to all ranks within the Commandos.

Recipients of the De Wet Decoration could be honored with a clasp after completing thirty years of dedicated service. In instances where the decoration is not worn, individuals holding the clasp adorn a button featuring the letters “DWD” enclosed within a circle on their ribbon bar.

The De Wet Decoration Design

The De Wet Decoration is a circular silver medallion, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters in thickness. It features an image of General Christiaan de Wet on horseback during the Second Boer War, surrounded by a wreath of proteas. The inscription “DEKORASIE ~ DE WET ~ DECORATION” borders the depiction.

On the reverse side, the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is displayed, with the decoration number impressed or engraved beneath it.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of alternating bands of green, white, and yellow. Specifically, there is a 3 millimeters wide green band, followed by a 2 millimeters wide white band, and an 8 millimeters wide yellow band. These bands are repeated in reverse order, separated by a 6 millimeters wide dark blue band positioned at the center.

The John Chard Decoration

The John Chard Decoration was a military accolade for long service, established by the Union of South Africa on April 6, 1952.

The John Chard Decoration, designated by the post-nominal letters JCD, was a military accolade for long service, established by the Union of South Africa on April 6, 1952. It was conferred upon members of the Citizen Force of the South African Defence Force in recognition of twenty years of meritorious service and commendable conduct. Additional clasps could be granted for thirty and forty years of service, respectively.

This decoration was bestowed upon all ranks of the Citizen Force for twenty years of efficient service, which did not necessarily need to be continuous. Initially, it was one of only three awards for long service that granted recipients the use of post-nominal letters. The other two were the De Wet Decoration (DWD), presented to Commando members, and the now-defunct Efficiency Decoration (ED).

The John Chard Decoration Design

The John Chard Decoration is an oval silver medallion, measuring 39 millimetres wide, 51 millimetres high, and 3 millimetres thick. It portrays a scene from the 1879 battle at Rorke’s Drift in Natal, featuring a tree, the river, and the mission station. This was the site where Lieutenant Chard and ten of his men earned the Victoria Cross (VC). The depiction is inscribed with “RORKE’S DRIFT 1879” and encircled by the words “JOHN CHARD” at the top and “DECORATION : DEKORASIE” at the bottom.

The reverse side features the pre-1994 South African coat of arms. Original decorations, produced by the South African Mint, exhibit a raised rim and a separately crafted ribbon suspender affixed to the top of the decoration, as shown in the illustration above. The decoration number was either impressed or engraved at the bottom on the rim.

The ribbon mirrors that of the John Chard Medal, measuring 32 millimetres wide. It consists of alternating dark blue, white, and dark red bands, each with varying widths (3 millimetres, 2 millimetres, and 22 millimetres respectively).

The Permanent Force Good Service Medal

The Permanent Force Good Service Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1961 as a replacement for the Union Medal.

The Permanent Force Good Service Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1961, coinciding with South Africa’s transition to a republic, as a replacement for the Union Medal. It was bestowed upon Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force in recognition of eighteen years of commendable service and conduct.

This medal honored Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force for their eighteen years of dedicated service. Additionally, a clasp could be conferred for thirty years of service.

The Permanent Force Good Service Medal Design

The Permanent Force Good Service Medal is a circular medallion featuring a scalloped edge and raised rim, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick at the rim. Crafted in silver, it showcases the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms. Adorning the ribbon suspender are decorations of proteas and leaves.

On the reverse side, inscriptions read “VIR LANGDURIGE DIENS EN GOEIE GEDRAG” and “FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT”, with a raised rim and decorated ribbon suspender mirroring those on the obverse. The medals and ribbon suspenders were separately minted and later joined by soldering. The medal number was either stamped or engraved at the bottom of the rim.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width, featuring three bands of orange, white, and blue, repeated three times. The outer orange and blue bands are each 4 millimeters wide, while the seven inner bands are approximately 3½ millimeters wide. These colors—orange, white, and blue—are taken from the pre-1994 national flag. It bears an identical resemblance to the ribbon of the Union Medal.

The South African Union Medal

The South African Union Medal honored Permanent Force members who exhibited eighteen years of exemplary service and conduct.

The Union Medal was established by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It honored Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force who exhibited eighteen years of exemplary service and conduct.

This medal recognized Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force for their dedicated eighteen years of service. Additionally, a clasp could be awarded for thirty years of service.

The South African Union Medal Design

The Union Medal is a circular medallion with a scalloped edge and raised rim, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick at the rim. Crafted in silver, it features the pre-1994 South African coat of arms surrounded by the inscription “UNIE-MEDALJE • UNION MEDAL”. The ribbon suspender is adorned with proteas and leaves.

On the reverse side, Queen Elizabeth II’s royal cipher, represented by a crown over “E II R”, is depicted, also with a raised rim and decorated ribbon suspender similar to those on the obverse. The medals and ribbon suspenders were produced separately and later joined by soldering. The medal number was impressed at the bottom of the rim.

The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide, featuring repeated bands of orange, white, and blue, each appearing three times. The outer orange and blue bands are each 4 millimeters wide, while the seven inner bands are approximately 3½ millimeters wide. These colors—orange, white, and blue—are drawn from the pre-1994 national flag.

The Jack Hindon Medal

The Jack Hindon Medal is a military honor bestowed upon other ranks in recognition of diligent service within the Commandos.

The Jack Hindon Medal, denoted by the post-nominal letters JHM, is a military honor established in the Republic of South Africa in 1970 but was only utilized until 1975. It was bestowed upon other ranks in recognition of diligent service within the Commandos, the rural defense sector of the South African Defence Force.

This medal was conferred upon other ranks of the Commandos for exceptionally diligent and outstanding service. Named after Jack Hindon, a Scottish-born Afrikaner hailed as a hero of the Second Boer War, the medal honored individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication.

The use of post-nominal letters was permitted from 1993, eighteen years following the medal’s discontinuation.

The Jack Hindon Medal Design

The Jack Hindon Medal is a bronze oval-shaped medal, designed to fit within a 38-millimeter diameter circle. It portrays three Burghers hoisting the Vierkleur flag atop Spioenkop following the Boer triumph over British forces in 1900, during the Second Boer War. Inscriptions include “JACK • HINDON” at the top and “MEDALJE • MEDAL” at the bottom.

The reverse side features the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and is primarily yellow, featuring 4½ millimeters wide green bands along the edges and a 1 millimeter wide green band positioned in the center. These green and yellow hues are derived from the ribbon colors of three awards that were instituted in 1920.

The Danie Theron Medal

The Danie Theron Medal s a military honor established by the Republic of South Africa in 1970 and initially reserved for officers.

The Danie Theron Medal, designated by the post-nominal letters DTM, is a military honor established by the Republic of South Africa in 1970 and remained in use until 1993. Initially reserved for officers, it was made available to all ranks from 1975. This medal was conferred upon members of the Commandos, the rural defense component of the South African Defense Force, in recognition of exceptional diligence and outstanding service during times of peace or war.

Named after Danie Theron, a renowned Boer scout and guerrilla warrior distinguished for his valor during the Second Boer War, the medal honored individuals who demonstrated remarkable dedication in their service.

Eligibility criteria required recipients to be South African citizens with at least ten years of service in the South African Defense Force (SADF) and no previous awards for devotion to duty or diligent service.

The Danie Theron Medal Design

The Danie Theron Medal is a silver medallion, 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick. Its obverse side depicts an eagle with raised wings, with the inscription “DANIE THERON” around the top perimeter and “MEDALJE • MEDAL” at the bottom.

On the reverse side, the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is featured, with the decoration number impressed at the bottom of the medal on the rim.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and is green, with three 4 millimeters wide yellow bands spaced 5 millimeters apart in the center. The green and yellow colors originate from the ribbon colors of the three awards instituted in 1920.

The South African Pro Merito Medal

The South African Pro Merito Medal was conferred upon the South African Defence Force in recognition of exceptional devotion to duty.

The Pro Merito Medal of 1967, identified by the post-nominal letters PMM, is a military honor established by the Republic of South Africa in 1967. It was conferred upon other ranks of the South African Defence Force in recognition of exceptional devotion to duty.

Serving as the counterpart to the Southern Cross Medal of 1952 (SM), which was previously accessible to all ranks, the Pro Merito Medal specifically honored non-commissioned officers. Prior to the introduction of the Pro Merito Medal, other ranks were eligible for the Southern Cross Medal.

The South African Pro Merito Medal Design

The Pro Merito Medal of 1967 is a silver medallion measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick. It features a depiction of a disa uniflora encircled by a wreath of protea flowers.

The reverse side displays the embossed pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms, with the decoration number impressed at the bottom of the medallion on the rim.

Initially, the ribbon measured 32 millimeters in width and consisted of dark blue, orange, white, and dark blue bands, each 3¼ millimeters wide, with an orange band measuring 1½ millimeters wide. These bands were repeated in reverse order and separated by a white band in the center, which was 3 millimeters wide. However, due to its resemblance to the ribbon of the Permanent Force Good Service Medal, a new ribbon was introduced, as announced in Government Gazette No. 2047 dated April 19, 1968.

The South African Southern Cross Medal

The South African Southern Cross Medal is a military honor established in 1952 and granted for exceptional devotion to duty.

The Southern Cross Medal of 1952, known by the post-nominal letters SM, is a South African military honor established by the Union of South Africa in 1952. Initially, it was granted for exceptional devotion to duty and was accessible to all ranks. However, from 1967 until its discontinuation in July 1975, the award was exclusively reserved for officers.

Originally, the Southern Cross Medal could be bestowed upon members of the South African Defence Force for exceptional dedication to duty. Between 1952 and 1967, eligibility extended to all ranks. However, in 1967, an equivalent award for other ranks, the Pro Merito Medal, was introduced, leading to the restriction of the Southern Cross Medal’s presentation to officers. The inaugural awards were conferred on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Union of South Africa in 1960.

The South African Southern Cross Medal Design

The Southern Cross Medal of 1952 is a silver medallion measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick. It features the stars of the Southern Cross set against a dark blue enameled background, encircled by a ring of oak leaves.

On the reverse side, the decoration displays the pre-1994 South African coat of arms. Versions minted before South Africa became a republic in 1961 include Queen Elizabeth’s royal cypher (E II R) positioned above the coat of arms. The decoration number is impressed at the bottom of the medallion on the rim.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of a dark blue band measuring 13 millimeters wide, flanked by one orange and one white band, both 3 millimeters wide, followed by another 13-millimeter-wide dark blue band.